March Dharma Talk - What Are the Three Jewels and Why We Take Refuge in Them

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels - Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, is the formal initiation of one’s Buddhist path. While those who have taken refuge in the Three Jewels regularly offer incense and prostrate to the Buddhas, there are beings who offer incense and prostrate to the Buddha yet haven’t taken refuge in the Three Jewels. Yet, both these beings can see themselves as Buddhist. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is similar to having a long-term mentor, who will never abandon us through establishing the formal connection while we open ourselves to liberation first through our own pure and genuine sincerity through the ritual of taking refuge itself.

In Sino Esoteric Buddhism, the Three Jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Mind.

I take refuge in the Buddha, generating the great compassion to liberate all destined beings.

I take refuge in the Dharma, being tranquil at ease as the wisdom increases,

I take refuge in the mind, practicing the Heart Tantra without ego.

This March, our monthly gathering will focus on the topic: What Are the Three Jewels and Why We Take Refuge in Them. In a 90-120 minutes session, we will explore the topic through a 45-minute Dharma talk, followed by a concentration meditation and an open discussion.

愿以此功德，普及于一切。

May the merit of this practice spread everywhere to all.

我等与众生，皆共成佛道。

May I and sentient beings all attain Buddhahood.

十方三世一切佛，一切菩萨摩诃萨，

To all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Ten Directions and Three Times,

摩诃般若波罗蜜，能断一切波罗蜜!

and maha-prajnaparamita, The perfection that cuts through all illusions!